Announcements for Sunday, December 9, 2018
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She’s Back!
This Sunday we extend a big “Hello!” as we welcome back Pastor Karyn from her sabbatical! We missed you!
Christmas Giving Tree
Please return gifts THIS Sunday, Dec. 9. If you purchase gift cards, please wrap them in a box. Questions? Contact the church office: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.
Good Gifts Ornaments
Choose a Good Gifts ornament from the giving tree in the narthex, take it home, and go online to ELCA.org/GoodGifts to make your donation. Write on the back of the ornament and give as gift.
COFFEE WITH PASTOR KARYN
Have we mentioned Pastor Karyn’s back?!!! Coffee with Pastor Karyn is open to all and meets at 6:30am each Wednesday at Panera. See you there!
Knitters
Prayer shawl knitters meet every Wed, at 5:30pm in the narthex. Open to all!
Young Youth Cookie Decorating
Meet at the church on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 4pm in the fellowship hall to decorate Christmas cookies. The cookies will be handed out as gifts to the residents that we visit when the church goes caroling on Dec. 16 at 5pm. Parents are more than welcome, even encouraged, to attend the cookie decorating event! Young Youth is a group for children in grades K-2 and grades 3-5. For information, contact Beth Miller: beth@firstlu.org.
Blessing Government Employees
We invite anyone who works for government, at any level, to join us on Sunday, Dec. 16, for worship and a special blessing for all the work you do on behalf of our country.
Sunday School Christmas Program
It is a wonderful time of year and a great way for our kids to spread their Christmas joy! New date and time this year: Sunday, Dec. 16, between services from 9:30-10am.
Christmas Caroling
Sunday, December 16, 4-8pm. Hop on a bus and take a ride around Onalaska to visit and carol to those who need extra Christmas cheer! RSVP at 1stlu.org/caroling.
Blue Christmas
Friday, Dec. 21, 6:15pm. Please join us at First Lutheran for an hour of worship, including music, prayers, candlelight and reflection, on what God is up to amidst our blue feelings around Christmas. Before worship, starting at 5:30pm, there will be a time for a light meal and conversation.
Christmas at First
Christmas Eve worship times: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 11pm. All will be candlelight and all will be with Holy Communion. Christmas Day worship time: 10am, with Holy Communion.
Kettle Ringers
The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is looking for bell ringers! They still have sites with many shifts that have not been filled. Please consider donating two hours of time for this worthy cause. Every dollar helps those in need in our community. Register online at SAlacrosse.org or call 608.782.6126.
Synod School of Theology
Grow in faith, develop your spirituality, deepen your discipleship, discern your baptismal vocation, and learn more about the Bible, theology and the church. Courses include: Bible, Theology, Church History, Ministry Skills and Spiritual Development. The first session begins Jan. 17, 2018. Talk to our pastors if you’re interested, and find more info at 1stlu.org/theology.
English Lutheran ski trip
Join members of English Lutheran for a ski trip to Winter Park, CO. The trip will be Feb. 7–11 and costs $550 for 4 nights of lodging and 3 days of skiing. Transportation and meals cost extra. Sign up before mid-January at skidaddy.com/EnglishLutheran. Call Glenda Ehler for more info: 608-385-8540.
No Grief Support Group in December
A reminder to all members of our grief support group that there is no meeting in December. The next meeting will be Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019. Questions? Contact our Director of Small Group Ministry, Bridget Crave: bridget@firstlu.org.
OWLs Christmas Potluck
On Wednesday, Dec. 19 the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will have their annual Christmas potluck at noon in the narthex. Optional: bring a gift for the exchange; theme this year is “My Favorite Christmas Decoration.” Can be purchased or handmade; keep under $10. Also, please bring a few Christmas goodies to share in addition to your potluck dish, and wear your favorite Christmas sweater or outfit. Questions? contact Brian Narveson at owls@firslu.org.
‘19 Mission Trips
During the week of July 21–26 in 2019 our middle school youth will serve in Duluth, MN and our high school youth will serve in San Francisco, CA. For more info & registration go to 1stlu.org/missiontrip.
Snow Birds: Keep Us Updated
Had enough of cold weather already and about to winter in warmer climes? Keep us up-to-date by letting us know your winter address / contact info. Contact the church office with your updated information: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236. Thanks!
Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
If the weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting for their ministry, check our website, Facebook page, or update the office with your cell number and provider so that we can text you. We’ll also notify WXOW.com, news8000.com and the La Crosse Radio Group stations: 106.3, 104.9, 102.7, 100.1, and 1490 AM. The staff and leadership of First intend to ‘make the call’ by 5pm at the latest. so everyone knows what to expect. Be safe this winter!
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